Field test of a group education program for type 2 diabetes: measures and predictors of success on individual and group levels

We per-formed field testing of a previously described group education progr am for type 2 diabetes. HbA(1c) levels at start, 6 and 12 months were colle cted and demographic factors examined to identify predictors of long-term g lycemic control on individual and group levels. "Glycemic success" comprise d of (1) achieving target values of HbA(1c) less than or equal to 6.5% and/ or (2) decreasing HbA(1c) progressively, depending on initial values. Groups in the field test and previous pilot-study (N = 105) decreased their mean HbA(1c) significantly after 6 months, implying that diabetes mass edu cation led by pharmacists could be possible in the future. Target HbA(1c) l ess than or equal to 6.5% was seen in 51% at start and 63% after 12 months (P = 0.023). Initial HbA(1c) and BMI were the most important success predic tors; age, sex, duration, and civil status showed no effects. Overweight in dividuals relapsed after initially decreasing their HbA(1c), emphasizing th e need for long-term support in weight management. Experienced loneliness a ffected outcomes, indicating interaction between diet self-care and social relations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.